Demote Domain Controller but keep DNS

TonyJK 876 Reputation points
2021-03-30T07:35:15.74+00:00

We are going to demote a Domain Controller but need to keep the DNS Server running on it.

There are another 2 DC in our environment.

According to the following thread, it is suggested to choose "Change it to primary DNS zone without using AD integration", can I use this suggestion ?
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/7fcbe438-b01d-4adf-8f13-9e6cd1fffb81/demote-domain-controller-but-keep-dns-and-all-its-records?forum=winserverNIS

I also find another thread that we can transfer zone. If it is the proper way, may I ask how to make the transfer ?
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/edce8f22-4f75-42e5-8f1e-bd69eb4871de/how-to-demote-old-dc-but-keep-the-dns-role?forum=winserverDS

Thanks

Windows DHCP
Windows DHCP
Windows: A family of Microsoft operating systems that run across personal computers, tablets, laptops, phones, internet of things devices, self-contained mixed reality headsets, large collaboration screens, and other devices.DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). A communications protocol that lets network administrators manage centrally and automate the assignment of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization's network.
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Accepted answer
  1. Sunny Qi 10,881 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2021-03-31T02:21:04.543+00:00

    Hi,

    Thanks for posting in Q&A platform.

    Before we go further, may I know why do you want to remain DNS role on this server? If this server was a standalone DNS server, and there are another 2 DC&DNS servers in your environment, updates in DNS servers will be synced automatically in another 2 DCs and will not be synced in this server. The zone transfer request must be initiated on this server to request zone replication from primary DNS server. Based on my understanding, you do not need keep DNS role on this server since there are still 2 DCs in your environment is enough.

    Best Regards,
    Sunny

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  1. Dave Patrick 425.7K Reputation points MVP
    2021-03-30T12:54:32.423+00:00

    Simplest solution may be to demote, reboot, add the DNS role to it.

    --please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

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